NeurAbilities Healthcare, a prominent autism therapy provider, has announced the appointment of Andrew Holstein as its new CEO, following the resignation of former CEO Kathleen Stengel in April. Holstein, who brings decades of healthcare leadership experience, will take the helm of the Voorhees, New Jersey-based company as it continues to expand its services for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
The announcement was made earlier this month via a LinkedIn post, signaling a fresh chapter for the company. Holstein succeeds Stengel, who had led NeurAbilities since 2018. During her tenure, the company experienced significant growth and expanded its footprint, but the industry’s ongoing challenges—such as the shortage of skilled clinicians in applied behavioral analysis (ABA)—remained a key concern.
In the LinkedIn post, NeurAbilities expressed their enthusiasm for Holstein’s appointment: “Drew brings decades of healthcare leadership and business experience to our team, plus a strong passion for patient care, and we know he is ready to lead us to new heights.”
Though no immediate comments were provided by NeurAbilities or Holstein himself, the appointment has been met with optimism as the company moves into this next phase of leadership. This marks a significant autism therapy leadership change that has the potential to steer the company to even greater success in providing care for individuals with autism.
The Growing Need for Autism Therapy Services
NeurAbilities Healthcare has been a trailblazer in the field of autism care, particularly through its use of ABA therapy. ABA is widely regarded as one of the most effective methods for supporting individuals with autism, helping to improve behaviors, communication skills, and social interactions. The nationwide increase in demand for ABA therapy, combined with growing insurance coverage for such services, has fueled NeurAbilities’ rapid expansion.
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Mark Mintz, a pediatric neurologist who still serves as the company’s Chief Medical Officer, NeurAbilities began with a mission to provide comprehensive neurological, behavioral, and developmental services to individuals across the Northeast. Over the years, the company has steadily expanded its reach and services, positioning itself as a leader in autism therapy and treatment.
Today, NeurAbilities operates 18 physical locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As of the end of 2023, the company employed over 500 individuals, including clinicians, therapists, and administrative staff. The growing number of employees and locations reflects the increasing demand for high-quality autism services and NeurAbilities’ commitment to meeting that need. This continued growth further emphasizes the impact of the autism therapy leadership change within the company, as Holstein takes over the reins to build on this momentum.
The Leadership Change and Stengel’s Departure
Kathleen Stengel’s resignation as CEO in April marked a significant turning point for NeurAbilities. Stengel had been at the helm of the company since 2018, a period that saw the company expand both in terms of its physical locations and the breadth of its services. During her tenure, Stengel worked closely with Nashville-based private equity firm Council Capital, which made an undisclosed investment in NeurAbilities in 2018. This partnership helped fund the company’s growth, allowing it to enhance its offerings and expand into new regions.
However, Stengel was also vocal about some of the ongoing challenges facing the autism therapy sector. One of her primary concerns was the industry’s shortage of skilled clinicians—particularly those with certifications in applied behavioral analysis (ABA). This shortage has created difficulties in maintaining a high standard of care and attracting enough trained professionals to meet the growing demand for services. Her departure, therefore, marks a critical autism therapy leadership change, as the company will need to navigate these challenges moving forward.
Before her departure, Stengel had expressed her desire to address these challenges, and she continued to focus on improving the industry’s workforce while growing NeurAbilities. According to her LinkedIn profile, Stengel is now serving as a Senior Advisor at Provident Health Partners, another organization involved in healthcare services. This marks another instance of the ongoing autism therapy leadership change across the sector, with former leaders taking on advisory roles to continue shaping the future of the industry.
Andrew Holstein’s Extensive Healthcare Background
Andrew Holstein’s appointment to the CEO role brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to NeurAbilities. Holstein, who spent the last 17 years at Fresenius Medical Care North America, is well-versed in overseeing large-scale healthcare operations. Fresenius is a global leader in kidney disease treatment, and Holstein’s role as Senior Vice President of Growth involved managing the development and performance of hundreds of treatment centers and office-based locations across the Northeast U.S.
Holstein’s experience in overseeing complex operations, expanding business initiatives, and developing high-performing teams will be an asset to NeurAbilities as it continues to grow and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. According to NeurAbilities’ website, Holstein “possesses vast business development experience including hiring, training, and supporting other high performing professionals.” This emphasis on talent development will likely play a key role in his strategy for tackling the ongoing workforce shortages in the autism therapy field. Holstein’s leadership represents another critical autism therapy leadership change, one that aligns the company’s focus on both business development and patient care.
In his previous roles, Holstein was responsible for optimizing operations and ensuring that healthcare services were accessible, efficient, and effective. His proven track record in these areas makes him a strong candidate to guide NeurAbilities as it seeks to enhance its services and expand into new regions. Under his leadership, NeurAbilities may well be poised for new innovations in both treatment and organizational growth, continuing the legacy of positive autism therapy leadership change that the company has seen in recent years.
The Future of NeurAbilities Healthcare Under Holstein’s Leadership
Under Holstein’s leadership, NeurAbilities is poised to continue its expansion and strengthen its position as a leader in autism therapy. Holstein’s business acumen and commitment to patient care will likely be crucial as the company navigates both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
One of the biggest opportunities for NeurAbilities lies in expanding its footprint into new markets. With the increasing recognition of ABA therapy’s effectiveness and the growing demand for autism-related services, there are significant opportunities for the company to expand its reach beyond its current locations. Holstein’s experience with business growth and operational expansion will be key in realizing this vision. This continued autism therapy leadership change could drive the company to be more innovative and responsive to the needs of patients and their families.
Additionally, the shortage of skilled clinicians in the field of applied behavioral analysis remains a major challenge. Holstein will likely focus on strategies to attract and retain qualified professionals, ensuring that NeurAbilities continues to offer high-quality care to its patients. This may involve investing in training and development programs for staff, as well as building partnerships with educational institutions to address the industry’s workforce gaps. The leadership shift underscores the critical autism therapy leadership change to create lasting solutions for these challenges.
The company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and delivering exceptional care is likely to remain at the heart of its mission. As ABA therapy continues to play a pivotal role in autism treatment, NeurAbilities’ growth will likely align with the broader industry trends, further cementing its status as a leading provider in the field. With Holstein steering the ship, this autism therapy leadership change positions NeurAbilities for sustained success.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for NeurAbilities
With Andrew Holstein at the helm, NeurAbilities Healthcare is entering a new era of growth and leadership. The company’s expansion, coupled with Holstein’s experience and passion for patient care, positions NeurAbilities to build on its success and continue making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
While the leadership transition comes with challenges, including addressing the workforce shortage and expanding services to meet growing demand, the future of NeurAbilities looks promising. With Holstein’s guidance, the company is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and further solidify its role as a leader in autism therapy services across the Northeast.
As the healthcare industry evolves, NeurAbilities remains committed to providing accessible, effective, and compassionate care to individuals with autism, and with Andrew Holstein leading the way, the company is prepared to continue its important work in the years ahead. The autism therapy leadership change at NeurAbilities represents a pivotal moment that will shape the future of the company and the care it provides.
